Well, I’m here – it’s a lovely little town which has starred in feature films such as The Goonies, Kindergarten Cop, and two Free Willy films. Everyone is friendly although they tend to tilt their head in a compassionate and concerned way when I explain what I am about to do.

The few days in the run up to an event like this are critical – positive moments and comments layer on each other to set the scene to build both momentum and confidence. So, when I went to check in online with BA on Monday only to be told that they could not check me in because the US authorities said I needed a visa I did chuckle (! – or not). I ended up driving to Heathrow where it was sorted within 90 seconds – turned out it was probably due to ‘database interface issues’ – nice.

Genetics are strong in the Pannaman family so just like my Mother I watch the Weather Channel which helpfully explained that tropical thunderstorms and tornados brought 6 inches of rain in a couple of hours in Mankato, South Dakota (we’ll be there in 3 weeks). One of the other riders posted a message on Facebook and mentioned that the ‘last time’ he did this ride they had 15 consecutive days of 100F/38C temperatures – their website never said that! I met a couple of the ABB (America By Bicycle) staff yesterday and mentioned it – “don’t worry” they said most people struggled terribly, many just couldn’t do it, some were throwing up, but ‘we can get people on drips if needed’…. Fabulous! I thought I’d take advantage of the moment to ask how fast grizzly bears can run, how to out-stare a mountain lion, and whether they carry anti-venom for snakebites. As I say pumped or what!!!!! [Note to self – keep American Express card close to hand at all times and remember what it was like to run edit suites to help keep things in perspective].

I went on my first ride today which was great. Not so much distance but checking bike is all OK, SatNav has updated with US maps, and of course remembering to stay on the ‘wrong’ side of the road. All OK and drivers generally courteous and friendly – you can see from the pictures below that it isn’t like the Chiltern Hills….